I recently stumbled on this blog post and was stunned to see one of my favorite Confucius quotes, not only translated into Korean, but adapted and localized too! So below is a comparison of the Chinese version as I understand it, alongside the Korean version as the author conveys it.
The Korean version (along with its translated English and commentary) is copied verbatim from the above blog.
It’s interesting to see the differences. Korean seems to have more names for the older decades (eg, 80, 90) and also a name for when you reach 20 and “become a man.” Also interesting to see the different interpretations for each decade, in particular for reaching the age of 60.
Confucius says…
Korean: 15 Age where one recognizes the value of education | Ge Hak 지학
Chinese: At 15 my heart was set on learning | 吾十有五而志于学
Korean: 20 Age when a boy becomes a man (Sorry. No equivalent for women) | Yak Kwan 약 관
Chinese: None
Korean: 30 Age to begin your life’s planning | I Lib 이 립
Chinese: At 30 I stood firm | 三十而立
Korean: 40 Age when you have enough experience not to be fooled by others | Pul Hok 불혹
Chinese: At 40 I had no more doubts | 四十而不惑
Korean: 50 Age when you begin to understand the Gods’ thinking (Note: Not religious Gods but forces of nature.) | Ji Yung 지영
Chinese: At 50 I knew the Mandate of Heaven | 五十而知天命
Korean: 60 Age where you have the experience to take in the thoughts of others and determine the best and worst | I Soon 이 순
Chinese: At 60 my ear was obedient | 六十而耳顺
Korean: 61 Notable age as you have now lived through one full cycle of the 12 annual symbols (i.e. Year of the Dragon ) | Hwan Gap 환 갑
Chinese: None
Korean: 70 Age where you are filled with happiness (Because you are not dead, I guess.) | Ko He 고희
Chinese: At 70 I could follow my heart’s desire without transgressing the norm | 其实而从心所欲，不逾矩
Korean: 80 Meaning for this age and age 90 and 100 is as a title only to signify you have reached this age. | San Su 신수
Chinese: None
Korean: 90 See 80. | Chol Su 졸수
Chinese: None
Korean: 100 See 80, and with additional meaning of exceptionally long life. | Sang Su 상 수
Chinese: None